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KOTO International

Your International team for youth empowerment

KOTO International Limited, an Australian company, raises funds through individual sponsors, corporate supporters, philanthropy, general contributions, and events to sustain and promote KOTO Foundation’s renowned hospitality traineeship for disadvantaged Vietnamese youth, ensuring long-term program impact.

KOTO International

Meet the KOTO International directors

KOTO International is managed in Australia by a board of directors — a dedicated team who have seen first hand for how KOTO changes lives.

Warwick Freeland joined the KOTO International board in March 2016. He is the Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director IELTS, IDP Education. Warwick has 30 years of experience running considerable international operations for large companies, governments and start-ups. He has qualifications in Engineering and Marketing, and has won export and innovation awards in Australia and Germany.

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Warwick Freeland

Rashima was born in the northern part of India. After completing her education in India, she had the opportunity of working internationally in various countries. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant both in India and Australia. She believes that one of the most effective ways of improving a person’s life is through education and hopes to make a real difference through her contribution.

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Rashima Ghai

Ruth is an experienced strategic marketing consultant and facilitator. Working with a broad range of corporate, government and not-for-profit organizations, Ruth uses empathy and creative thinking to find solutions and create value.

Ruth is passionate about sharing knowledge and helping people build theirs so they can build a better life, the very principle that KOTO is founded on. She has a genuine interest in social enterprise and creating positive social change. Joining the KOTO International board is an opportunity for Ruth to bring her knowledge, experience, and energy to creating just that. Ruth is an active supporter of KOTO and proud KOTO Trainee sponsor.

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Ruth Kimpton

Ha serves as a Managing Director of Advanced Partners, a boutique tax and business consulting practice based in Melbourne, Australia. Having worked for a number of ASX Listed companies before founding Advanced Partners, she possesses robust technical skills in management accounting, and holds a deep understanding of tax matters and business advisory services. Ha is engaged in various professional endeavours, including her active participation in the CPA Australia Public Practice Committee and her role as a co-founder and vice president of the Vietnamese Australian Scholars and Expert Association (VASEA). Additionally, she frequently shares her knowledge through speaking engagements and lectures at Monash University. Emphasising the significance of education and its societal impact, Ha is dedicated to leveraging her skills and background to support the development of KOTO.

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Ha Nguyen

Marcela is a Senior Lecturer at the William Angliss Institute, teaching leadership and entrepreneurship courses. Her work extends beyond the classroom, collaborating on projects and research across Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Marcela believes in diverse paths to unlocking one's potential and champions student-focused education and development as the means to achieve a successful and happy life. Her expertise in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and education, combined with her understanding of the tourism and hospitality sectors and international perspective, makes Marcela a valuable contributor to KOTO's board.

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Marcela Fang

Michael brings to KOTO his belief that access to education is a pathway out of disadvantage. He is currently Community Development Manager in one of Australia's largest and most dynamic local government areas, a sessional academic, and a non-executive director disability and employment organizations. Michael is a Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs and combines his experience to create social and financial inclusion, enhance liveability and wellbeing, and support individuals and communities facing disadvantage to live to their full potential in safe, secure and empowering environments. Michael joined the KOTO International board in 2024.

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Michael Maxwell

Leanne spent nine years in Vietnam, where she developed a deep understanding of the needs of disadvantaged youth. For four years she served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the KOTO Foundation, where she actively contributed to volunteer management, fundraising, policy development, and training. With a strong background in sales, HR, training, and volunteer management, Leanne has returned to Australia but remains deeply committed to supporting young people in Vietnam. She is excited to be a part of the KOTO International board and continue contributing to the impactful work of the KOTO program.

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Leanne Dowler
Company structure
01
Legal & regulatory status

Company Limited by Guarantee, regulated by the ACNC

Holds Tier 1 DGR status for tax-deductible gifts

02
Tax & donor benefits

Enables Australian taxpayers to claim ATO deductions

Carries the Government’s quality-stamp for charities

03
Operational model

No paid staff or premises

< 5 % of funds retained for admin and operations

04
Compliance & safeguarding

100 % of funds sent to Vietnam directly benefit trainees

Vulnerable-person protections in both Australia and Vietnam

Adherence to ACNC’s External Conduct Standards

Governance

Together the KOTO International board achieves great outcomes and meets ACNC’s requirements by:​​

01

Closely monitoring KOTO’s activities in Vietnam through a strong partnership which includes annual monitoring visits, a continuous improvement plan and effectively dealing with queries and complaints

03

Ensuring all Directors comply with the Director’s Code of Conduct 

04

Implementing key policies, including the Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons Policy

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